Roadtrip Nation

This series follows charismatic young adults as they pile in to a big green RV and cross the country to interview entrepreneurs and community leaders about how they got in touch with their passion and created their road in life. This is only one aspect of its ever-expanding, multi-platform plan to lower the nation's dropout rates.

Roadtrip Nation Previous Broadcasts

Boston - New York City (Episode #902H)

KQED Life: Sun, Jun 30, 2013 -- 2:30 PM

The team lands at the doorstep of the MIT Media Lab, where they speak with a graduate assistant in the robotics department. Next, they talk with two women who created sOccket, a soccer ball that generates electricity, and the co-founder of Bamboo Bike Studio. The Roadtrippers also stop at the USA Shaolin Temple in New York City, where they meet founder Shi Yan Ming who is known for his super-human abilities-such as breaking rocks with his skull. They end the week meeting with Nat Paynter, director of water programs at Charity Water.

St. Louis - Bay Area (Episode #904H)

KQED Plus: Sat, Jun 29, 2013 -- 2:00 PM

While in St. Louis, the team lets their imaginations run free at the City Museum, an architectural marvel and playground made out of found objects from the city. Afterward, they sit down with founder and creator Bob Cassilly to learn what inspired him. In Idaho, they speak with sought-after expedition photographer Jimmy Chin, who opens up about his fears of failing and the dangers of extreme missions. "Fear is healthy," he reminds the Roadtrippers.

Episode #607

KQED World: Fri, Jun 28, 2013 -- 9:30 PM

In Santa Fe, the team interviews Celine Cousteau, filmmaker and granddaughter of famed explorer Jacques Cousteau. They then drive into West Texas and visit with Doug Baum, owner of Texas Camel Corps. Driving east to Austin, they interview Terry Lickona, producer of the television program Austin City Limits and finish up their tour of Texas in Houston where they talk with blogger and author Gwendolyn Zepeda.

Episode #606

KQED World: Thu, Jun 27, 2013 -- 9:30 PM

The RV breaks down as the team heads from Los Angeles to San Francisco before they interview Thomas Nazario, law professor and children's rights activist. They then go to Golden Gate Park to talk with David Miles, Jr., the "godfather of skating." Driving east into Utah, they visit the Great Salt Lake and talk with David and Sandy Jensen, theater owners. The team pushes on to New Mexico and meets up with Christina Heyniger, an adventure tourism consultant.

Episode #605

KQED World: Wed, Jun 26, 2013 -- 9:30 PM

3 young Australian women head to the US and roadtrip across the country. After arriving in Los Angeles, Mariana, Camilla, and Su-Yin learn to drive an RV and acclimate to life on the road. The team heads to San Diego for their first interview with members of the band Switchfoot. The team then drives to Orange County where they meet activists and philanthropists Augie and Lynn Nieto.

Episode #604

KQED World: Tue, Jun 25, 2013 -- 9:30 PM

Beginning the final week of their roadtrip, the team interviews Vicki Buck, former mayor of Christchurch and founder of a sustainable energy company. Heading to Queenstown, the team interviews Louisa "Choppy" Patterson, helicopter pilot. The team's final interview has them speaking with bungy legend Henry Van Asch after which the team decides to take a huge risk and take their own jumps. Heading back to Auckland to fly back to the US, the team leaves New Zealand with a new perspective and a new outlook on their futures.

Episode #603

KQED World: Mon, Jun 24, 2013 -- 9:30 PM

After a Zorbing adventure the team are at the halfway point of their roadtrip. In Rotorua, they meet with Doug Tamaki, local personality John "Bertie" Cocking, and political blogger David Farrar. After a ferry ride to the South Island, the team meets with mountaineer Mark Ingalls. They head to Christchurch where they talk with Robin Judkins, an artist, author, and creator of adventure racing events.

Portland - Cambridge (Episode #901H)

KQED Life: Sun, Jun 23, 2013 -- 2:30 PM

A new team of Roadtrippers shares a desire to search for something bigger in life. Brooklyn, a self-proclaimed dreamer who left an unfulfilling job in New York City to move back in with her parents and eight siblings, hopes this Roadtrip will "jumpstart" her life. Elliott, a former high school English teacher, gets out of the classroom to explore a life around education, community and creativity. Nekeed escaped a rough childhood in Yonkers, N.Y., where he lost a brother to gang violence. Now, as the first male in his family to graduate college, Nekeed wants to define his next steps in life. At the New Skete monastery in New York, they interview Brother Stavros, co-founder of the monastery; he also works with its famous German Shepherd breeding program.

San Francisco (Episode #809H)

KQED 9: Sun, Jun 23, 2013 -- 12:00 AM

Meet team Here, There, Everywhere-Denise, Carolyn, and Sarah-and follow their six-week cross-country journey as they search to learn more about themselves and their futures. Denise, a hair stylist, wants to break out and explore what the world has to offer. Carolyn left her steady job at an advertising agency to find out how she can use her skills for more humanitarian causes, while Sarah, who wants to do something creative, is still learning to not let fear hold her back from trying new things. Traveling to San Francisco, CA, the team meets Jesse Jacobs, owner of Samovar Tea Lounge, and then hears powerful words from poets at Youth Speaks who encourage them to listen to their hearts.

Repeat Broadcasts:

KQED Life: Sun, Jun 23, 2013 -- 12:00 AM

Philadelphia - Chicago (Episode #903H)

KQED Plus: Sat, Jun 22, 2013 -- 2:00 PM

Arriving in Philadelphia, the team meets with Rosemarie Certo, the owner of Dock Street Brewing Co., where they get a taste of her award-winning beer and her passion for the craft. Next, they travel to Chicago to speak with Grammy Award-winning children's folk singer Ella Jenkins, who teaches the Roadtrippers a song. The team also meets with Paolo Davanzo and Lisa Marr-a happy-go-lucky couple that expresses their love for filmmaking by helping students through affordable film and media arts classes.

Episode #602

KQED World: Fri, Jun 21, 2013 -- 9:30 PM

The team visits a Maori museum and chef Kate Fay before interviewing dub and hip-hop musician Tiki Taane. Driving on to Coromandel, the team interviews Barry Brickell, potter and railway engineer, and horse trainer Tina Fagan. Finally, they head to Gisborne, where they spend time with Geoff and Nicola Wright, organic winemakers.

Episode #601

KQED World: Thu, Jun 20, 2013 -- 9:30 PM

Three young Americans fly to New Zealand to embark on a four-week roadtrip on the other side of the world. Meeting up in Los Angeles, Ray, Fawna, and Allison fly to Auckland. Upon arrival, they paint their RV home and experience the challenge of driving on the other side of the road. Soon, they head out for their first interview with adventurer and mountain climber Peter Hillary. They then meet up with fashion designer Trelise Cooper and hip-hop and graffiti artist DLT.

Episode #212

KQED World: Wed, Jun 19, 2013 -- 9:30 PM

The final episode of the series includes an interview with the chancellor of the New York School District who was the former Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice's Antitrust Division, and a cofounder of the Blue Man Group.

Episode #211

KQED World: Tue, Jun 18, 2013 -- 9:30 PM

Interviews include the Editor of "Seventeen" magazine, the owner of an adored chocolate shop in New York City, and world famous photographer Abelardo Morrell.

Episode #210

KQED World: Mon, Jun 17, 2013 -- 9:30 PM

Interviews include an independent film director, the founder of Samuel Adams Brewery in Boston, and a Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist in Washington, D.C.

Atlanta, GA / Outer Banks, NC (Episode #812H)

KQED Life: Sun, Jun 16, 2013 -- 2:30 PM

In Atlanta, GA, wrapping up their last series of interviews, the Roadtrippers meet the first all-female, all-African American flight crew to operate a commercial jet in the US to learn how they got to where they are. Then the team talks with Penny Brown Reynolds, a judge and ordained minister, where they are energized by her story of perseverance and determination. Afterward, the friends travel to Outer Banks, NC, where they share their final thoughts on what they learned about themselves and their futures before ending their journey of self-discovery together.

New York City / Atlanta, GA (Episode #808H)

KQED 9: Sun, Jun 16, 2013 -- 12:00 AM

It's the last week of the team's six-week Roadtrip-and also Hannah and Antoine's first time in New York City. While there, they meet up with MMA (Mixed Marital Arts) reporter Ariel Helwani who talks about his beginnings as a shy kid to becoming one of the most notable MMA sports reporters in the world. At the end of their conversation, he stresses to the team, "don't give up on your dreams." Antoine, Hannah, and Nika then move on to their last interview at the CNN headquarters where they meet with anchor Soledad O'Brien who talks about the hard work it takes to follow a dream. Afterward, the team reflects on the events of the trip and the people they met before signing the Green RV and saying their goodbyes.

Boston - New York City (Episode #902H)

KQED Plus: Sat, Jun 15, 2013 -- 2:00 PM

The team lands at the doorstep of the MIT Media Lab, where they speak with a graduate assistant in the robotics department. Next, they talk with two women who created sOccket, a soccer ball that generates electricity, and the co-founder of Bamboo Bike Studio. The Roadtrippers also stop at the USA Shaolin Temple in New York City, where they meet founder Shi Yan Ming who is known for his super-human abilities-such as breaking rocks with his skull. They end the week meeting with Nat Paynter, director of water programs at Charity Water.

Episode #209

KQED World: Fri, Jun 14, 2013 -- 9:30 PM

Interviews include an executive director at Greenpeace USA, a member of the FBI in Washington, D.C. and a newscaster at NPR who focuses on Latin American issues.

Episode #208

KQED World: Thu, Jun 13, 2013 -- 9:30 PM

Learn about writer and civil rights activist in Detroit, a rocket scientist who founded matchmaker.com, and the cofounder of ImprovOlympic theatres, which has produced famous comedians including cast members of "Saturday Night Live."

Episode #207

KQED World: Wed, Jun 12, 2013 -- 9:30 PM

The interviews include an anchor at CNN en Espanol, a couture designer turned yoga guru and musical performer outside of Wrigley Field.

Episode #206

KQED World: Tue, Jun 11, 2013 -- 9:30 PM

Interviews include a pop music critic for the Chicago Sun-Times; a songwriter and producer in Nashville and Julliard graduate that went on to found a tuition- free classical music school.

Episode #205

KQED World: Mon, Jun 10, 2013 -- 9:30 PM

The interviews include the park superintendent of Devils Tower National Monument; a Minneapolis artist and gallery founder; and the founder of Big Foot Monster Trucks.

Washington, DC / New York City (Episode #807H)

KQED Life: Sun, Jun 9, 2013 -- 12:00 AM

While in Washington, DC, the Roadtrippers head over to the International Child Art Foundation's headquarters to meet with its founder, Dr. Ashfaq Ishaq. He tells them about the importance of nurturing creativity in young minds. Then the team moves on to the popular DC-based restaurant Busboys and Poets to speak with its owner, Andy Shallal. The Roadtrippers hear about learning from failures, and they leave feeling uplifted. From there, they fly back to Chicago to pick up the Green RV from the mechanic to hit the road to New York. In New York City, they meet with dance legend Judith Jamison and catch a performance at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Central Park.

Repeat Broadcasts:

KQED 9: Sun, Jun 9, 2013 -- 12:00 AM

Episode #204

KQED World: Fri, Jun 7, 2013 -- 9:30 PM

Learn about the park superintendent of Mount Rushmore's career path, which is driven by passion; the decisions of a rancher in Wyoming to pursue his interest and a food critic in New Orleans.

Episode #203

KQED World: Thu, Jun 6, 2013 -- 9:30 PM

Interviews include an environmental scientist in New Mexico; an exhibit builder at The Exploratorium in San Francisco and a DJ at KEXP, a community radio station in Seattle.

Episode #202

KQED World: Wed, Jun 5, 2013 -- 9:30 PM

Interviews include Al Merrick a surfboard shaper and founder of Channel Island Surfboards, who shapes boards for well known surfers including Kelly Slater. Hugh Hefner is interviewed at his mansion and the Poet Laureate of San Francisco describes her path of becoming a poet while sitting in the RV.

Episode #201

KQED World: Tue, Jun 4, 2013 -- 9:30 PM

Meet the teams and watch insightful interviews in Southern California with the CEO & cofounder of Volcom Clothing and a music director who is credited for the American radio premiere of Moby and Garbage.

In-Studio Interviews: Mike Song and Paul Dateh (Episode #908H)

KQED World: Mon, Jun 3, 2013 -- 9:30 PM

Alumni Roadtrippers Ray, Hannah and Mariana interview Mike Song, Assistant Choreographer for the film Step Up Revolution, and Paul Dateh, a Hip-Hop Violinist and Youtube Sensation. Audience members learn about the struggle Paul faced in pursuing his life dream, and how he overcame 'The Noise' of doubt directed at him from others. Paul gives the audience a performance of his work before handing the stage off to Mike Song. Addressing his own struggle with "The Noise," Mike shares the roadblocks he's faced, and provides a unique perspective on staying true to his path. The two guests join series director Maya to present a combined music and dance performance.

Chicago, IL / Washington, DC (Episode #806H)

KQED Life: Sun, Jun 2, 2013 -- 12:00 AM

While in Chicago, the team encounters a roadblock - the Green RV's transmission breaks. After leaving the RV at a mechanic, the Roadtrippers meet up with Food Network host and chef Gale Gand who greets them with home-baked muffins. Gale tells the team about her life of traveling, working in France, and meeting Julia Child. Afterward, the Roadtrippers meet with Alex Ross, a comic book artist who tells them about his incredible luck in his career, but stresses that anyone can do anything they want-they just have to put in the effort. Afterward, the team hears bad news: the RV won't be fixed in time for their next interviews. So, they decide to book flights to their next stop in Washington, DC, despite that Antoine has never been on a plane before.

TV Technical Issues

TV Technical Issues

(DT9.1 through 9.3) KQED will be performing maintenance at Sutro Tower in the overnight hours early Thursday 12/08. We are
expecting a few power interruptions to take place and KQED will need to be off air for these. The outages are expected to
be brief.

(this is a continuation of the work originally announced for 11/28, which was not completed on Tuesday.) At some point during
the morning of Wednesday Nov. 30th, the KQEH transmitter will switch from its main antenna to the auxillary one, to allow
for the safety of workers doing maintenance for another TV station on the […]